Where can a landlord go to do a legal credit/background check on a potential renter.?

Question

I have several rental applications from potential renters who have filled out information allowing me to do a background/ credit check. I also have thier permission to do so. I am looking for a website service that will alllow me to do a legal check. I do not want anything illegal, it all must be done legally, acurately and as quick as possible. By the way, the location is central Florida.

Answer 1

There are local credit bureaus in most cities.  Landlords usually go with one of those for best service (look in your phone book or the internet equivalent).  But if you prefer a national service look for something like these guys:

http://www.thelpa.com/

Answer 2

http://www.v1g.org is probably you're best bet. Unlike other background checks site, you only have to pay once and you can pull up the records on ALL your tenants.. it's also the cheapest site online only costing around 20 dollars..  

Answer 3

Hi there.

Unless you want to go through the records individually in the public records found in the courthouse archives or similar and want a more comprehensive background check with previous addresses, criminal records +++ I suggest you do a free preliminary search (as they call it) on the SmartBac.. site below. It helped me a lot a few times. You can then pay for the IBR/CIS records if the preliminary search shows any interesting info.

Important note: You can do multiple (unlimited?) people searches once you have joined their membership so it not a bad idea when you are planning to check on multiple persons.

Hope that helps.